3 Rap Songs That Shout Out Halle Berry

In the 1990s and 2000s, it was impossible to overstate the stranglehold model and actress Halle Berry had on pop culture. Widely considered the most beautiful person in the world, Berry was an Academy Award-winner, a quintessential Cat Woman from Batman, and seemingly just an all-around great gal. She was also the object of affection for many.

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When it came to rap music, Berry’s name often appeared in lyrics of some of the biggest artists in the genre. Here below, we wanted to explore three examples of that phenomenon. Indeed, these are three rap songs that shout out Halle Berry.

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“Work It” by Missy Elliott from ‘Under Construction’ (2002)

One of the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Missy Elliott’s most famous songs calls out Halle Berry. In fact, that led to a recent interaction on Twitter (X) in which the two traded love for one another. Berry said “Work It” was “One of my all time favorites” when Missy tweeted about her 2002 hit. Indeed, on the track, Missy raps:

“If you’re a fly gal, get your nails done
Get a pedicure, get your hair did
Boy lift it up, let’s make a toast, ah
Let’s get drunk, it’s gon’ bring us closer
Don’t I look like a Halle Berry poster?
See the Belvedere playin’ tricks on ya.”

“Beach Is Better (Interlude)” by Jay-Z from ‘Magna Carta Holy Grail’ (2013)

This one-minute-long song from rapper Jay-Z comes from his album Magna Carta Holy Grail. And on it, not only does he namecheck Berry, but he also shouts out his wife, singer Beyoncé. In fact, he compares the two beacons of beauty. As those who know his music understand, Jay is always trying to entertain and push forward his agenda as top dog. So, why not equate your spouse to the most beautiful person on Earth? On the track, he raps:

“Hit ya a** on the celly, ’cause I ain’t got time
To be arguing with your a**, if you ain’t really ready
Girl, why you never ready? For as long as you took
You better look like Halle Berry… Or Beyoncé
Sh*t, then we getting married.”

“Bath Salts” by DMX featuring Jay-Z and Nas from ‘Exodus’ (2021)

Speaking of Jay-Z, the Brooklyn-born rapper goes to the well again here on this song from DMX, which features Jay and former rival Nas. Speaking about his status as one of the most successful and goal-oriented people in the world, Jay raps about the actress who had become the standard of beauty, offering,

“Jumpin’ off boats, hoppin’ off another cliff (woo!)
Every six months, I think I need a new bucket list (oh!)
Yeah, I think I might need a harem (say, say!)
I’m way too much, y’all should share ’em (hands in the air!)
I’m feeling like a baron, all I need is a castle
Be my Halle Berry, all you need is a catsuit
All I need is Heaven, I don’t want the hassle.”

Photo by Steve Granitz Archive 1/WireImage